The energy transition has begun. This means that the vision of a sustainable energy supply that is accepted by society is within reach. In order to achieve these goals, we must recognize that renewable power generation must always be part of the energy system as a whole. “Smart energy” – i.e. intelligent power generation and grids are needed to guarantee security of supply and grid stability.

This is where the SMENOS project comes in, with a sub-project dedicated to the task of integrating fluctuating RE plants better into the overall energy system by coupling them with the heating sector while at the same time increasing the RE share in the heating sector. This is where power-to-heat comes in, a technology in which a heat transfer medium is heated with the help of electrical energy. The heat can then either be stored or transported to end consumers via local and district heating infrastructure.

Up to now, there has been a great deal of uncertainty among market participants – especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – about the potential of and obstacles to the use of this technology. IKEM is therefore conducting a feasibility study on the use of power-to-heat in eastern Germany. This study examines the legal framework and determines under which conditions the use of power-to-heat is economically feasible. An inventory of existing demand and infrastructure (heat grids, heat sinks, etc.) serves to derive scenarios for future development.